Jo Fairley

I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming to our event on Monday. We had brilliant feedback from everyone that attended - it was along the lines of 'inspiring speaker', 'engaging and humorous' and 'amazing career story'. Other interesting feedback... it was great to have a story from a woman where there haven't been significant barriers because of gender.

Bernadette, Senior Counsel of International Acquisition Finance, Mizhuno Bank

Jo Fairley – Former Magazine Editor and Co-Founder of The Perfume Society

Jo Fairley is a trailblazing entrepreneur, writer, and sustainability champion, best known as the co-founder of Green & Black’s, the pioneering organic and Fairtrade luxury chocolate brand now worth over £100 million. She has since built an impressive portfolio of ventures, including Judges Bakery, The Wellington Centre, and The Perfume Society, each rooted in quality, wellbeing, and the senses. Recognised with awards for her commitment to ethical business and sustainability, Jo has become a leading voice in responsible entrepreneurship. Today, she inspires audiences worldwide as a sought-after speaker, sharing invaluable insights on innovation, branding, and purpose-driven business.

Speaker Topics:

Business Management
Sustainability & ESG
Business Success
Leadership
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Marketing & Branding

Credentials and Impact

Jo Fairley’s career began in publishing, where she made history as the UK’s youngest-ever magazine editor at just 23, taking the helm at Look Now. Her early years in journalism and editing gave her a sharp insight into branding, storytelling, and consumer trends, skills that would underpin her later ventures.

In 1991, Jo co-founded Green & Black’s with her husband Craig Sams, creating the UK’s first organic chocolate and the first Fairtrade-certified product on supermarket shelves. The brand became a global success, setting new standards for ethical food production and responsible business.

Building on that achievement, she went on to develop ventures focused on sustainability and wellbeing. In 2002, she relaunched Judges Bakery in Hastings as an award-winning organic bakery and food store. Soon after, she opened The Wellington Centre, a thriving wellbeing hub offering holistic therapies. Her most recent enterprise, The Perfume Society, has become a leading international resource and community for fragrance enthusiasts and professionals.

Jo’s leadership and influence have been recognised globally. She has received the World Aware Award for Responsible Entrepreneurship, multiple Soil Association Awards, and the Shackleton Medal for Leadership and Citizenship from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. She has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Studies from Kingston University. Today, Jo continues to advise businesses, support boards, and inspire leaders across industries.

Publications and Media

Jo is co-founder and co-author of the bestselling ‘Beauty Bible’ series and ‘The Story of Green & Black’s’, documenting the brand’s journey. She also co-founded The Perfume Society, publishing The Scented Letter, an award-winning digital fragrance magazine. Jo contributes regularly to national titles including The Times, YOU Magazine, Red, Marie Claire and Healthy Magazine, and has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, BBC Breakfast, and Woman’s Hour.

Why Book Jo

Booking Jo Fairley guarantees an inspiring and memorable experience for any audience. With a career spanning publishing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and wellbeing, Jo draws on decades of success building innovative, values-led ventures. She offers unique insight into creating brands that resonate deeply with consumers while staying firmly anchored in purpose and responsibility. Her speaking clients include HSBC, Deloitte, Bloomberg, Vodafone, and numerous universities and business schools.

Whether addressing senior executives, entrepreneurs, or students, Jo tailors her message to deliver practical strategies and relatable stories that leave a lasting impression. As the founder of several award-winning businesses and a recipient of multiple honours for responsible entrepreneurship, Jo brings authority and experience to her talks. Known for her warmth and humour, she engages audiences with actionable lessons on innovation, leadership, and resilience, ensuring every event feels energised, insightful, and designed to inspire meaningful change.

To book Jo to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry